Is PreCheck worth it?

What is it? PreCheck is the TSA’s “trusted” traveler program. Benefits include waiting “five minutes or less” most of the time and not having to remove certain items during screening, such as laptops, liquids, belts, shoes and light jackets, according to the TSA. Pay $85 for a five-year membership (tsa.gov/precheck). More than 5 million people have access to PreCheck lines at 200 airports.

Who should get it? The consensus among travel experts is that if you fly more than twice a year, it’s worth applying for the program. However, if you’re planning to travel internationally, consider another “trusted” traveler program, Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck benefits (cbp.gov/travel/trusted-travelerprograms/global-entry).

What if the PreCheck line is longer than the regular line? There’s not much you can do except complain. A TSA agent can’t switch you to a shorter line, even if you ask to move from a “fast” line such as PreCheck into a regular, slower line. File a brief, polite grievance to the TSA. Here’s how to reach it: tsa.gov/contact-center/form /complaints.